Castle with old exterior and modern interior in Dutch countryside
Parc Broekhuizen / Leersum / Netherlands
There is something magical about staying in castles. It doesn’t matter if it is a medieval one with towers, a renaissance beauty in French countryside or more modern one, like this one. Rich people from Amsterdam have been flocking to these parts for centuries so Parc Broekhuizen builds on a long heritage.
The Parc Broekhuizen Hotel is located in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, about 1 hour from Amsterdam. The lush park is the first thing that greets you when you start to approach the hotel. Continue the long drive through the trees and before you know it, the castle comes into view at the end of a large open field.
The transformation of Parc Broekhuizen place started in 2012 and it took 4 years to complete. It is a testament to the careful work then went into creating something beautiful with attention to detail. This resulted in them becoming a member of Design Hotels, which makes full sense to me.
There are 22 rooms in total, spread over two buildings, the actual castle and the old carriage house (where our room was). The design of the room was much more discreet and neutral compared to the common areas. it is a good contrast, busy and colorful and when you retreat to your room, your eyes (and you) can relax and calm the senses.
This is how you are greeted when you you drive up through the park and this impressive building comes into view. Welcome! You have arrived!
A great place to live out any royal dream.
The design at Parc Broekhuizen is a great mix between old and new. The classic features of the building are highlighted by modern features. It results in a modern eclectic look. Like here, in the reception area.
Old and new. I love the marble and the old, wooden staircase and how it marries with the modern looking furniture.
Every castle needs a grand piano. I really like the modern take on a crystal chandelier.
Our room was in the old stable, a short walk from the castle.
Why not have a sky of plants in the hotel corridor? I love it!
Our room in the Carriage Building. The look was very discreet compared to the design of the common areas. Neutral tones and classic design features like these Bestlite lamps.
A cozy little corner of our room.
We are in a castle after all.
One of the most important places in the castle, the bar.
A lovely little place to sit and sip an afternoon aperitif.
The restaurant where the bold, playful design continue.
The breakfast room.
Behind the castle there is a lake with a hiking path all the way round. A perfect stroll before the breakfast.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…want to escape to the country. The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe so to find a castle in a forest where the Randstad area becomes a distant memory, is really a blessing for the senses.
My favorite thing about this place…
…this is one of those places where you just relax as soon as you pull the handbrake of your car. Here it is all about long walks in the park, reading in the shade, long breakfasts… I think you get the picture.
What not to miss when staying here…
…if you are a foodie, the Voltaire Restaurant. It was rewarded with its first Michelin star in 2018 and has continued xxx. They are open to non hotel guests so if you want to make sure to snag a table, remember to book well in advance since this is a popular restaurant. We missed that little detail…
If you like this place you might also like…
Wanås Castle, Knisslinge, Sweden
Castle Leslie, Glaslough, Ireland
Château de Raay, Baarlo, Netherlands
